MBC’s fantasy romance “Moon River” took a dark turn as Kim Se Jeong’s character Park Dal I collapsed unconscious after enduring brutal torture by palace maids, leaving viewers shocked and anxious about what happens next. The November 28 episode marks the darkest chapter yet in this body-swap romance between a crown prince and a merchant.
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Moon River Drama Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Network | MBC TV |
| Streaming | Viki, Viu, Wavve, TVING |
| Premiere Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Schedule | Fridays & Saturdays, 9:40 PM KST |
| Episodes | 14 (Ongoing) |
| Genre | Historical Fantasy Romance |
| Director | Lee Dong-hyun (Bitter Sweet Hell) |
| Writer | Cho Seung-hui (More Than Friends) |
| Main Cast | Kang Tae Oh, Kim Se Jeong, Jin Goo, Lee Sin Young |
The Shocking Torture Sequence
After narrowly escaping an attempt by palace maids to force her to take infertility medicine ordered by Left State Councilor Kim Han Cheol, Park Dal I finds herself caught in yet another dangerous situation. The newly released stills reveal the merchant woman—actually inhabited by Crown Prince Lee Gang’s soul—being interrogated by the Chief Court Lady.
Even while facing brutal questioning, Lee Gang in Park Dal I’s body glares fiercely upward, refusing to bow his head despite the unfair circumstances. His royal pride shines through even in the merchant’s form, but this defiance comes at a terrible cost.
The torture scene shows Park Dal I’s inner garment stained red with blood, vividly portraying the brutality of the moment before her body eventually collapses unconscious. The graphic imagery marks the most violent scene in the series thus far, showcasing Kim Se Jeong’s commitment to portraying the physical and emotional anguish of her character.
The Body-Swap Dilemma
The series follows Crown Prince Lee Gang (Kang Tae Oh), a man who has lost his smile, and Park Dal I (Kim Se Jeong), a peddler who has lost her memory, whose souls mysteriously swap. This creates impossible situations where Lee Gang must navigate palace life in Dal I’s vulnerable female body while maintaining his secret identity.
After switching bodies with Park Dal I, Lee Gang managed to sneak into the palace disguised as a new eunuch with help from the Grand Queen Dowager. However, palace intrigue caught up when he was discovered sleeping under the same blanket with Park Dal I—who at the time was in Lee Gang’s body—causing rumors to spread throughout the palace about the crown prince engaging in same-sex relations.
For more body-swap romance dramas and historical K-drama recommendations, visit our Korean drama coverage.
Rising Tension and Political Conspiracy
The torture scene represents the culmination of Left State Councilor Kim Han Cheol’s (Jin Goo) scheme to eliminate threats to his power. As a man with absolute authority who serves as minister-advisor to the King, Kim Han Cheol orchestrates palace conspiracies that continuously endanger both Lee Gang and Park Dal I.
The escalating violence reflects the dangerous reality of Joseon palace politics, where even perceived slights can result in brutal punishment. Lee Gang’s soul trapped in a merchant woman’s body faces vulnerabilities the crown prince never experienced, creating heart-wrenching dramatic tension.
Explore our collection of historical K-drama reviews for similar period pieces with compelling storylines.
Kim Se Jeong’s Powerful Performance
This torture scene showcases Kim Se Jeong’s range as an actress. Known for lighter romantic comedies, she delivers a raw, visceral performance that captures both physical suffering and the crown prince’s inner strength refusing to break despite the pain. The actress reportedly spent considerable time preparing for the physically demanding scene to ensure authenticity.
What Happens Next?
The episode ends with the cliffhanger question: what exactly happened that night? Viewers must tune in to discover whether Lee Gang survives the torture, how Park Dal I’s body will recover, and what consequences these events bring for both characters.
With palace conspiracies intensifying and the body-swap secret constantly at risk of exposure, “Moon River” continues building toward what promises to be an explosive confrontation between Lee Gang and his enemies.
The drama has received praise for balancing fantasy romance with serious historical themes, maintaining fast-paced storytelling that keeps audiences engaged. The chemistry between Kang Tae Oh and Kim Se Jeong drives the emotional core while supporting cast members deliver compelling performances that elevate the palace intrigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Lee Gang in Park Dal I’s body being tortured in the palace?
Lee Gang (in Park Dal I’s body) was tortured as part of Left State Councilor Kim Han Cheol’s conspiracy against the crown prince. After rumors spread about the crown prince’s alleged same-sex relationship when the body-swapped pair were discovered sleeping together, palace officials interrogated Park Dal I. Additionally, the Chief Court Lady had previously tried to force Dal I to take infertility medicine on Kim Han Cheol’s orders, and when she escaped, it led to further interrogation and torture about her defiance and unusual behavior in the palace.
Q: Is Moon River based on a webtoon or original story?
Moon River is an original screenplay written specifically for television by Cho Seung-hui, who previously wrote “More Than Friends.” It’s not adapted from a webtoon or novel. The body-swap historical romance concept was developed exclusively for this MBC drama, which follows the tradition of Korean historical dramas while adding unique fantasy elements to create fresh storytelling within the sageuk genre.
